The political drama within the Congress government in Karnataka continues to intensify as top leaders await a crucial decision from the party high command regarding the chief minister's position. With the government completing half of its five-year term, speculation about a leadership change has reached fever pitch.
Kharge's Assurance on Resolution
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge broke his silence on Wednesday, confirming that the ongoing leadership discussion would be resolved at the highest level. He revealed that the matter would be settled after thorough deliberations with senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
"The high command – myself, Rahul ji and Sonia ji will together take a decision on the issue and resolve it," Kharge told PTI when questioned about the potential leadership change in Karnataka. This statement comes at a critical juncture as the Congress government marked the halfway point of its term on November 20.
Conflicting Statements from Key Players
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has repeatedly emphasized that the final decision rests with the party high command. Responding to questions about legislators supporting Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar travelling to Delhi, Siddaramaiah stated: "Let them go. MLAs have freedom. Let's see what opinion they give. Ultimately, the high command has to make the decision. We will abide by what the high command says."
The Chief Minister further emphasized the need for clarity, adding that "to put a full stop to this confusion, the high command has to take the decision."
Meanwhile, Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress president, has been more cryptic in his responses. He revealed the existence of a "secret deal between 5-6 of us" within the party regarding power sharing but refused to elaborate publicly.
"I don't know. I have not asked to make me the CM. It is a secret deal between five and six of us. I don't want to speak publicly on this," Shivakumar stated in his home constituency Kanakapura, adding that he believes in working according to his conscience and doesn't want to embarrass or weaken the party.
Political Implications and Future Outlook
The power tussle has gained momentum amid talks of an alleged "power-sharing" agreement involving both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar that was reportedly discussed during the formation of the government in 2023. Shivakumar's careful praise of Siddaramaiah as "a senior leader" and "an asset for the party" who has "completed 7.5 years as CM" indicates the delicate balancing act within the party.
When asked about Siddaramaiah presenting the next budget, Shivakumar expressed happiness and emphasized the need for unity with an eye on the 2028 assembly polls and 2029 Lok Sabha elections. However, he remained evasive when questioned about the existence of a power-sharing agreement after the 2023 Assembly polls, simply responding: "Why should I speak about it? You (media) have written things."
As legislators continue to express their opinions and some even travel to Delhi to meet central leaders, all eyes remain on the Congress high command's next move, which is expected to determine the political future of Karnataka's Congress government.
